Natsuki Subaru, a high school student, suddenly found himself transported to a new fantasy world after a trip to a convenience store. This sudden change dropped him into a series of dangerous events, starting with an attack by thugs in an alley. A silver-haired half-elf named Emilia intervened and saved him. Subaru offered to help Emilia retrieve her stolen insignia, a task that quickly exposed him to the world’s harsh realities.
During his attempts to help Emilia, Subaru and she were killed. However, Subaru woke up at an earlier point, discovering he possessed a unique ability known as “Return by Death”. This power allowed him to rewind time to a previous “checkpoint” upon his death, while retaining his memories. Season 1 of Re:ZERO -Starting Life in Another World- – Season 1 followed Subaru’s repeated efforts to use this power to alter deadly outcomes, facing assassins, curses, and a sinister cult, all while enduring immense psychological and physical suffering.
Re:ZERO -Starting Life in Another World- – Season 1 Plot Summary
Season 1 of Re:ZERO -Starting Life in Another World- began with Subaru Natsuki’s unexpected arrival in the Kingdom of Lugunica. He quickly encountered Emilia, a half-elf noble, and her spirit companion Puck. After they were killed while trying to recover Emilia’s stolen insignia, Subaru realized his unique ability: to return to a specific point in time after dying. He named this power “Return by Death”.
The season covered the first three story arcs of the light novel series. The initial arc involved Subaru repeatedly dying to save Emilia and retrieve her insignia, facing the assassin Elsa Granhiert. The narrative then moved to the Roswaal Mansion, where Subaru worked as a butler and faced a mysterious curse. This period deepened his bond with the maid Rem, but also involved several brutal deaths as he worked to uncover the threat. The season concluded with Subaru involved in the Royal Selection process and confronting the dangerous Witch Cult, led by Petelgeuse Romanée-Conti. He also participated in a large-scale battle against the White Whale.
Re:ZERO -Starting Life in Another World- – Season 1 Cast, Characters, and Arc
The first season introduced the core cast who became central to the series. Yusuke Kobayashi voiced Natsuki Subaru, the protagonist, who was an ordinary high school student thrust into a harsh fantasy world. His “Return by Death” ability allowed him to reset events, but it also forced him to experience repeated deaths and trauma. Subaru’s journey in Season 1 was marked by his efforts to grow and overcome his initial arrogance.
Rie Takahashi provided the voice for Emilia, a kind-hearted, silver-haired half-elf and candidate for the Lugunican throne. She was often accompanied by her spirit partner, Puck, voiced by Yumi Uchiyama. Inori Minase voiced Rem, a demon maid at Roswaal Mansion, who developed a strong connection with Subaru despite initial suspicion and hostility. Her twin sister, Ram, also a maid, was voiced by Rie Murakawa. Yuichi Nakamura voiced Reinhard van Astrea, a powerful knight who aided Subaru. Takehito Koyasu voiced Roswaal L. Mathers, Emilia’s patron and owner of the mansion. Other notable characters included the assassin Elsa Granhiert and the zealous Witch Cult leader Petelgeuse Romanée-Conti.
Where to Watch Re:ZERO -Starting Life in Another World- – Season 1
Re:ZERO -Starting Life in Another World- – Season 1 first aired in Japan from April 4 to September 19, 2016, with an initial 25 episodes. The series was streamed by Crunchyroll, which remains a key platform for accessing the season.
For viewers in the United States, additional streaming options are available. Hulu added the first season to its library on May 27, 2025. The season is also available through the Apple TV Store, the Crunchyroll Amazon Channel, and Prime Video. A “Director’s Cut” of the first season, which re-edited the 25 original episodes into thirteen extended 50-minute episodes with some altered and additional scenes, was released between January and April 2020. Both subbed and dubbed versions are typically offered across these platforms.
How Re:ZERO -Starting Life in Another World- – Season 1 Fits the Series
Season 1 served as the foundational entry for the “Re:ZERO -Starting Life in Another World-” anime series, establishing its core premise and central characters. It introduced Subaru Natsuki and his unique, traumatic ability to “Return by Death,” which became the primary narrative device for the entire franchise. This initial season adapted the first three arcs of the original light novel series, detailing Subaru’s struggles to navigate a new world and protect those he encountered.
The events of Season 1 were critical for building the character arcs of Subaru, Emilia, and Rem, laying the groundwork for their complex relationships and future conflicts. The season also firmly established the series’ dark fantasy and psychological thriller tone, setting it apart from more typical isekai narratives. Without the experiences and character development in this season, the subsequent storylines and emotional impact of Re:ZERO -Starting Life in Another World- Season 2 and beyond would lack context. Following Season 1, two Original Video Animations (OVAs), “Memory Snow” and “The Frozen Bond,” expanded on the established world and character backstories, with “The Frozen Bond” acting as a prequel to Season 1 and providing insight into Emilia’s past.
Is Re:ZERO -Starting Life in Another World- – Season 1 Safe to Watch? (Age Rating Guide)
Official age rating not available.
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For verified credits, release details, or official resources, visit IMDb and Official Site.
| Director | Not available |
|---|---|
| Main Cast | Yusuke Kobayashi, Rie Takahashi, Yumi Uchiyama, Chinatsu Akasaki, Yuichi Nakamura |
| Release Year | 2016 |
| Genre | Not available |
Frequently Asked Questions
When was Re:ZERO -Starting Life in Another World- – Season 1 released?
Re:ZERO -Starting Life in Another World- – Season 1 was released on April 4, 2016.
What is Re:ZERO -Starting Life in Another World- – Season 1 about?
Season 1 of Re:ZERO -Starting Life in Another World- began with Subaru Natsuki’s unexpected arrival in the Kingdom of Lugunica. He quickly encountered Emilia, a half-elf noble, and her spirit companion Puck.
Where can I watch Re:ZERO -Starting Life in Another World- – Season 1?
Re:ZERO -Starting Life in Another World- – Season 1 is available on Apple TV, Crunchyroll, and Crunchyroll Amazon Channel.